Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
A healthier take on a classic comfort food! Tender bell peppers are filled with a savory mix of lean ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and zesty spices, then baked with a delicious melted cheddar topping.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the peppers.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
TIPFor softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before stuffing.Cook the brown rice.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
Cook the aromatics and turkey.
- While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
TIPEnsure the turkey is fully cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Combine the filling ingredients.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked brown rice, drained diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and half of the crumbled feta cheese. Mix well to combine everything.
Stuff the peppers and bake.
- Spoon the turkey and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper half.
- Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
TIPThe water in the bottom of the dish helps steam the peppers, making them tender without drying out.Garnish and serve.
Let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a softer pepper, you can pre-bake the empty pepper halves for 10 minutes before stuffing them.
- 2Feel free to use any color of bell pepper. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter than green ones.
- 3To make your own cauliflower rice, simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains.
- 4This recipe is great for meal prep. You can assemble the peppers ahead of time and bake them when you're ready to eat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground turkey with 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or a 14-ounce block of crumbled firm tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.
low carbLow carb
Substitute the brown rice with an equal amount of cauliflower rice. Add it to the skillet raw with the turkey to cook.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the feta cheese or use your favorite dairy-free crumbled cheese alternative.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and oregano for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in Fiber
Brown rice and bell peppers provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Vitamins
Bell peppers are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from turkey, loaded with vitamins from the bell peppers and cauliflower, and is low in carbohydrates, making it a well-balanced meal.
